The Chimney Gulch Trail is a popular out and back trail up Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado. The dirt, rocky trail zig-zags up the mountain and crosses Lookout Mountain Road multiples times as you hike up to Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
Full disclosure: I don’t love this trail or recommend it as a top option. Here why: there isn’t a specific trailhead off US Hwy 6. Google Maps directed me to the parking “spot” which turned out to be a quick pull-off with a maximum of 8 parking spots. Not ideal. I ended up driving into downtown Golden and parking on 11th street between Illinois and Maple and highly recommend parking here. There is a direct path to the official trail which includes a small tunnel under Hwy 6! The other main reason I don’t love this trail is that it is steep, rocky, and filled with sun – characteristics separately I don’t mind but all together aren’t my favorite. Last but not least is the fact that I love to cycle up Lookout Mountain and hiking up was just not the same! I’m going to save Lookout Mountain for my bike!
Good to Know
Distance: 6.5 mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: ~1,700 ft
Terrain: Narrow dirt path with many rocks sections
Parking: VERY limited at the trailhead along Hwy 6; I recommend parking in Golden
Facilities: NOT available at the trailhead along Hwy 6
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